Compound semiconductor device, manufacturing method for compound semiconductor device, and amplifier

ABSTRACT

A compound semiconductor device includes a semiconductor laminate structure including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer that are formed from compound semiconductor, a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode that are provided above the semiconductor laminate structure and arranged in a first direction, and a first insulating film having a first internal stress and formed over the semiconductor laminate structure and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, wherein a slit extending in the first direction is defined in the first insulating film.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-19110, filed on Feb. 5, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to a compound semiconductor device, a manufacturing method for a compound semiconductor device, and an amplifier.

BACKGROUND

Nitride semiconductors have characteristics such as a high saturation electron velocity and a wide band gap. For this reason, various studies have been made to apply a nitride semiconductor to a compound semiconductor device having a high breakdown voltage and a high output by utilizing these characteristics. For example, the band gap of GaN, which is a kind of nitride semiconductor, is 3.4 eV, which is larger than the band gap (1.1 eV) of Si and the band gap (1.4 eV) of GaAs. Therefore, GaN has a high breakdown electric field strength and is very promising as a material for a compound semiconductor device for a power source for achieving high voltage operation and high output.

As compound semiconductor devices formed from nitride semiconductor, there have been many reports about field effect transistors, particularly high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). For example, among GaN-based HEMTs, AlGaN/GaN-HEMTs in which GaN is used as an electron transit layer (channel layer) and AlGaN is used as an electron supply layer have been attracting attention. In AlGaN/GaN-HEMTs, distortion due to a difference in lattice constant between GaN and AlGaN occurs in AlGaN. A two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) of high concentration is obtained by spontaneous polarization of AlGaN and piezoelectric polarization generated by the distortion. Therefore, AlGaN/GaN-HEMTs are expected as high-power devices for communication, high-efficiency switch elements, high-breakdown voltage power devices for electric vehicles and the like, and the like.

For example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-205095, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2010-182829, and the like are disclosed as related art.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the embodiments, a compound semiconductor device includes a semiconductor laminate structure including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer that are formed from compound semiconductor, a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode that are provided above the semiconductor laminate structure and arranged in a first direction, and a first insulating film having a first internal stress and formed over the semiconductor laminate structure and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, wherein a slit extending in the first direction is defined in the first insulating film.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a first section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 3 is a second section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment illustrating the structure thereof;

FIG. 4 is a third section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment illustrating the structure thereof;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating distribution of conduction band energy in the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating distribution of electron concentration in the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating distribution of electron concentration in a compound semiconductor device of a reference example;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a first section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the second embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 10 is a second section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the second embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the third embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a first section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 15 is a second section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a first section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 18 is a second section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment illustrating a structure thereof;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a layout of a compound semiconductor device according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating distribution of conduction bands in the compound semiconductor device according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a first section view illustrating a manufacturing method for a compound semiconductor device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21B is a second section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21C is a third section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21D is a fourth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21E is a fifth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21F is a sixth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21G is a seventh section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21H is an eighth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21I is a ninth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21J is a tenth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21K is an eleventh section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21L is a twelfth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21M is a thirteenth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 21N is a fourteenth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 22A is a fifteenth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 22B is a sixteenth section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 23A is a first section view illustrating a modification example of the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 23B is a second section view illustrating the modification example of the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 23C is a third section view illustrating the modification example of the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 24A is a first diagram illustrating a relationship between drain voltage and drain current;

FIG. 24B is a second diagram illustrating a relationship between drain voltage and drain current;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a discrete package according to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a wiring diagram illustrating a PFC circuit according to a ninth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a wiring diagram illustrating a power source apparatus according to a tenth embodiment; and

FIG. 28 is a wiring diagram illustrating an amplifier according to an eleventh embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In a compound semiconductor device of related art, it is difficult to improve the current density.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a compound semiconductor device, a manufacturing method for a compound semiconductor device, and an amplifier, with which the current density may be improved.

The present inventors have made extensive studies to solve the above problems. As a result, it has been found that it is effective to improve the linearity of the electric charges in the channel.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. In the specification and drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be denoted by the same reference signs and redundant description thereof may be omitted.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2 to 4 are each a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment illustrating the structure thereof. FIG. 2 corresponds to a section view taken along a line I-I in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 corresponds to a section view taken along a line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 corresponds to a section view taken along a line III-III in FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, a compound semiconductor device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a semiconductor laminate structure 102 including an electron transit layer 102 c and an electron supply layer 102 e that are formed from compound semiconductor. The compound semiconductor device 100 includes a source electrode 111 s, a gate electrode 112 g, and a drain electrode 111 d that are provided above the semiconductor laminate structure 102 and arranged in an X direction. The compound semiconductor device 100 includes a tensile stress film 105 formed over the semiconductor laminate structure 102 and between the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d. In the tensile stress film 105, a tensile stress acts within a plane (X-Y plane) parallel to the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102. Slits 110 extending in the X direction are defined in the tensile stress film 105. In the first embodiment, the slits 110 are defined so as to extend to the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d in the X direction. The tensile stress film 105 is an example of a first insulating film.

For example, the semiconductor laminate structure 102 is formed over the substrate 101, and the source electrode 111 s, the gate electrode 112 g, and the drain electrode 111 d are provided within an element region defined by element separation regions 103 formed in the semiconductor laminate structure 102.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating distribution of conduction band energy in the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating distribution of electron concentration in the compound semiconductor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating distribution of electron concentration in the compound semiconductor device of a reference example. FIG. 5 illustrates distribution of depth from the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 where the energy of the conduction band is 0.6 eV, in a Y direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 and perpendicular to the X direction. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate distribution of depth from the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 in the Y direction where the electron concentration is 10¹⁵ cm⁻³, 10¹⁶ cm⁻³, or 10¹⁷ cm⁻³.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, between the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d, the energy of the conduction band in regions overlapping the slits 110 is lower than the energy of the conduction band in regions covered by the tensile stress film 105. Therefore, quantum wells of conduction band energy are present in the regions overlapping the slits 110. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, electrons are confined in the Y direction and quantized. This quantization improves the linearity of electrons in the channel, suppresses scattering of electrons in the Y direction, and suppresses change in the momentum in the Y direction. As a result, saturation of drain current may be suppressed, and the current density may be improved.

In contrast, in a reference example in which the slits 110 are not defined in the tensile stress film 105, no quantum well is present. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, electrons are not confined in the Y direction, and while the electrons are moved between the source and the drain by an electric field, the electrons are more likely to scatter in the Y direction than in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the compound semiconductor device 100, the current density may be improved. By using the compound semiconductor device 100 for an amplifier, the output may be improved.

The material of the tensile stress film 105 is not limited. For example, silicon nitride (SiN), magnesium oxide (MgO), or the like may be used for the tensile stress film 105. The depth of the quantum wells of the conduction band associated with the definition of the slits 110 is approximately proportional to the tensile stress of the tensile stress film 105. The magnitude of the tensile stress of the tensile stress film 105 is not limited, but is, for example, 1 GPa to 20 GPa.

The width of each of the slits 110 is not limited, but is preferably 100 nm or less from the viewpoint of confining electrons in the Y direction. If the width is too large, an excellent confinement effect may not be obtained. The width of each of the slits 110 is preferably 10 nm or more from the viewpoint of processing accuracy. If the width is too small, it may be difficult to define the slits 110 with high accuracy.

The plurality of slits 110 are not necessarily arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. For example, the slits 110 may be sparse at the center and dense at both ends in the gate width direction. In this case, current flows more easily in the vicinity of both ends than in the center in the gate width direction, and thus heat generated by the operation of the compound semiconductor device 100 is easily dissipated to the outside.

When an internal stress film having internal stress is formed over a silicon substrate, the silicon substrate is deformed in response to internal stress from the internal stress film, and exhibits curvature. When the thickness of the silicon substrate is h (m), the radius of curvature of the silicon substrate is r (m), and the thickness of the internal stress film is t (m), the internal stress s (Pa) of the internal stress film may be expressed by the following formula (1). If s is a positive value, the internal stress film is a tensile stress film having internal stress of tensile force, and if s is a negative value, the internal stress film is a compressive stress film having compressive stress. s=1.805×10¹¹×h²/6rt . . . (1)

The material of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 is not limited. For example, GaN may be used for the electron transit layer 102 c, and Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)N (0<x≤1) may be used for the electron supply layer 102 e. The thickness of the electron transit layer 102 c and the thickness of the electron supply layer 102 e are not limited. However, as the electron supply layer 102 e becomes thicker, the tensile stress of the tensile stress film 105 becomes less likely to act on the channel, and the confinement effect of electrons becomes weaker. From the viewpoint of the influence of the tensile stress, the thickness of the electron supply layer 102 e is preferably 10 nm or less. Furthermore, in order to generate a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) of a sufficient concentration, Al composition x of Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)N is preferably 0.32 or more, more preferably 0.50 or more, and further preferably 1.00. That is, preferably 32% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and further preferably 100% of metal atoms in the nitride (Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)N) are Al. The concentration of the 2DEG is not limited, but is preferably 2×10¹³ cm⁻² or higher. By increasing the Al composition x, the quantum wells are formed also in the Z direction, thereby making it easier to confine electrons. InAlN or InAlGaN may be used for the electron supply layer 102 e.

In the case of using AlN for the electron supply layer 102 e, it is preferable that a recess for source and a recess for drain are defined in the semiconductor laminate structure 102, a low resistance re-grown layer such as n⁺ GaN is formed in the recesses, and the source electrode 111 s and the drain electrode 111 d are formed over the re-grown layer.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 9 and 10 are each a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the second embodiment illustrating the structure thereof. FIG. 9 corresponds to a section view taken along a line I-I in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 corresponds to a section view taken along a line III-III in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, a compound semiconductor device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a compressive stress film 201 formed in the slits 110. In the compressive stress film 201, a compressive stress acts within a plane (X-Y plane) parallel to the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102. The compressive stress film 201 is an example of a second insulating film. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

In the compound semiconductor device 200, the quantum wells present in the regions overlapping the slits 110 are deeper. Therefore, according to the compound semiconductor device 200, the linearity of electrons in the channel may be further improved and the current density may be further improved.

From another perspective, by combining the tensile stress film 105 having a tensile stress of 5 GPa and the compressive stress film 201 having a compressive stress of 5 GPa, quantum wells similar to the case of using the tensile stress film 105 having a tensile stress of 10 GPa in the first embodiment. Although the film forming conditions of films having larger internal stress are more restrictive, the flexibility of the film forming conditions may be improved according to the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the third embodiment illustrating a structure thereof. FIG. 12 corresponds to a section view taken along a line I-I in FIG. 11.

In a compound semiconductor device 300 according to the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, slits 310 are defined in the tensile stress film 105 instead of the slits 110. The slits 310 are defined so as to extend to the drain electrode 111 d but be spaced apart from the gate electrode 112 g in the X direction. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

As described above, quantum wells are present in the regions overlapping the slits 110, and electrons are accumulated therein. In the compound semiconductor device 100 according to the first embodiment, the slits 110 are defined so as to extend to the gate electrode 112 g in the X direction. In contrast, in the compound semiconductor device 300 according to the third embodiment, the end portions of the slits 310 on the gate electrode 112 g side are spaced apart from the gate electrode 112 g in the X direction. Therefore, according to the compound semiconductor device 300, the gate leakage current derived from accumulation of electrons in the regions overlapping the slits 310 may be reduced more than the gate leakage current derived from accumulation of electrons in the regions overlapping the slits 110 in the compound semiconductor device 100.

The distance from the end portions of the slits 310 on the gate electrode 112 g side to the gate electrode 112 g in the X direction is not limited, but is preferably 0.2 μm or more from the viewpoint of effectively reducing the gate leakage current.

As in the second embodiment, the compressive stress film 201 may be formed in the slits 310. Also in this case, the effect of reducing the gate leakage current may be obtained.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment. FIGS. 14 and 15 are each a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fourth embodiment illustrating the structure thereof. FIG. 14 corresponds to a section view taken along a line I-I in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 corresponds to a section view taken along a line II-II in FIG. 13.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the compound semiconductor device 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes a protective film 404 formed over the semiconductor laminate structure 102, and the tensile stress film 105 is formed over the protective film 404. The protective film 404 is, for example, a silicon nitride film that does not have internal stress. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

Although a method of forming the tensile stress film 105 is not limited, the tensile stress film 105 may be sometimes formed under a condition in which damage to a layer thereunder is likely to occur. In the compound semiconductor device 100 according to the first embodiment, the object to be damaged is mainly the semiconductor laminate structure 102, whereas in the compound semiconductor device 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the object to be damaged is mainly the protective film 404. Therefore, the influence of damage to the channel may be reduced.

From another viewpoint, a film which is preferable in view of tensile stress but is not preferable in the first embodiment in view of the damage may be used as the tensile stress film 105. That is, it is possible to expand the range of types of film which may be suitably used for the tensile stress film 105.

The material of the protective film 404 is not limited. For example, silicon nitride, polyimide, or the like may be used for the protective film 404. When the Young's modulus of the protective film 404 is too high, tensile stress of the tensile stress film 105 becomes less likely to act on the channel. The Young's modulus of the protective film 404 is preferably 220 GPa or less, more preferably 200 GPa or less, and further preferably 100 GPa or less from the viewpoint of the influence of the tensile stress. The Young's modulus of silicon nitride is about 200 GPa, and the Young's modulus of polyimide is about 10 GPa to 100 GPa. It is preferable that the internal stress of the protective film 404 itself is smaller, and for example, the absolute value of the internal stress is preferably 300 MPa or less, regardless of whether the internal stress is tensile stress or compressive stress.

Experiments carried out by the present inventors have confirmed the following effects of the protective film. As a result of forming a laminate of a GaN layer and an AlGaN layer and measuring the mobility of the two-dimensional electron gas, a mobility of about 2200 cm²/V·s was obtained. When a tensile stress film was formed over the AlGaN layer without forming a protective film, the mobility was reduced to about 1000 m²/V·s to 1050 m²/V·s. In contrast, when a protective film was formed over the AlGaN layer and a tensile stress film was formed over the protective film, a mobility of about 2110 m²/V·s was obtained.

The protective film 404 may also be formed between the gate electrode 112 g and the semiconductor laminate structure 102. In this configuration, a part of the protective film 404 may be used as a gate insulating film. According to this configuration, as compared with the configuration in which the gate insulating film is formed in addition to the protective film 404, the number of interfaces between films of different kinds in the vicinity of the gate electrode 112 g is small, and therefore transient response due to interface trap may be reduced.

The protective film 404 may be included in the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment. FIGS. 17 and 18 are each a section view of the compound semiconductor device according to the fifth embodiment illustrating the structure thereof. FIG. 17 corresponds to a section view taken along a line I-I in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 corresponds to a section view taken along a line II-II in FIG. 16.

In a compound semiconductor device 500 according to the fifth embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18, the tensile stress film 105 is formed not only between the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d but also between the gate electrode 112 g and the source electrode 111 s, and so forth. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

According to the compound semiconductor device 500 of the fifth embodiment, the current density may be improved similarly to the compound semiconductor device 100.

In the second to fourth embodiments, the tensile stress film 105 may be formed not only between the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d but also between the gate electrode 112 g and the source electrode 111 s, and so forth.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment relates to a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a layout of the compound semiconductor device according to the sixth embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a compound semiconductor device 600 according to the sixth embodiment includes a compressive stress film 605 instead of the tensile stress film 105. Slits 610 extending in the X direction are defined in the compressive stress film 605. In the sixth embodiment, the slits 610 are defined so as to extend to the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d in the X direction. The compressive stress film 605 is an example of a first insulating film. The other elements are the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating distribution of conduction bands in the compound semiconductor device according to the sixth embodiment; FIG. 20 illustrates the distribution of the depth from the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 in which the energy of the conduction band is 0.8 eV in the Y direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 102 and perpendicular to the X direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, between the gate electrode 112 g and the drain electrode 111 d, the energy of the conduction band in regions overlapping the slits 610 is lower than the energy of the conduction band in regions covered by the compressive stress film 605. Accordingly, quantum wells are present in the regions covered by the compressive stress film 605. Therefore, electrons are confined in the Y direction and quantized. This quantization improves the linearity of electrons in the channel, suppresses scattering of electrons in the Y direction, and suppresses change in the momentum in the Y direction. As a result, saturation of drain current may be suppressed, and the current density may be improved.

In the second to fifth embodiment, the compressive stress film 605 may be formed instead of the tensile stress film 105.

Seventh Embodiment

A seventh embodiment relates to a manufacturing method for a compound semiconductor device including an HEMT. FIGS. 21A to 21N, 22A, and 22B are each a section view illustrating the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment. FIGS. 21A to 21N each illustrate a section perpendicular to the Y direction, and FIGS. 22A and 22B each illustrate a section perpendicular to the X direction.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 21A, a nucleation layer 2 a, a buffer layer 2 b, an electron transit layer 2 c, an intermediate layer 2 d, an electron supply layer (barrier layer) 2 e, and a cap layer 2 f are epitaxially grown over a substrate 1 such as a semi-insulating SiC substrate by, for example, an organic metal vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) method. The nucleation layer 2 a, the buffer layer 2 b, the electron transit layer 2 c, the intermediate layer 2 d, the electron supply layer 2 e, and the cap layer 2 f are included in a semiconductor laminate structure 2.

As the nucleation layer 2 a, for example, an AlN layer is formed. As the buffer layer 2 b, for example, an AlGaN layer is formed. As the electron transit layer 2 c, for example, a GaN layer (i-GaN layer) not having undergone intentional doping with impurities is formed. As the intermediate layer 2 d, for example, an AlN layer is formed. As the electron supply layer 2 e, for example, an AlGaN layer is formed. As the cap layer 2 f, for example, a GaN layer is formed.

For the formation of the semiconductor laminate structure 2, for example, a mixed gas of trimethylaluminum (TMA) gas serving as an Al source, a trimethylgallium (TMG) gas serving as a Ga source, and an ammonia (NH₃) gas serving as a N source is used. At this time, whether or not to supply the trimethylaluminum gas and the trimethylgallium gas and the flow rate thereof are appropriately set in accordance with the composition of the compound semiconductor layer to be grown. The intermediate layer 2 d between the electron transit layer 2 c and the electron supply layer 2 e may be formed if necessary. The cap layer 2 f may be also formed if necessary.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 21B, element separation regions 3 defining an element region is formed in the semiconductor laminate structure 2. In the formation of the element separation regions 3, for example, a photoresist pattern that exposes regions where the element separation regions 3 are to be formed is formed over the semiconductor laminate structure 2, and ion injection of Ar or the like is performed by using this pattern as a mask. Dry etching may be performed with a chlorine-based gas by using this pattern as an etching mask. The element separation regions 3 may be formed to be also present in the substrate 1.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 21C, a protective film 4 is formed over the semiconductor laminate structure 2. As the protective film 4, for example, a silicon nitride (SiN) film having a thickness of 10 nm to 30 nm is formed. The protective film 4 may be formed by, for example, a plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method using SiH₄ and NH₃ as raw material gases.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 21D, a resist pattern 51 having an opening portion 51 a is formed over the protective film 4 between the region where the gate electrode is to be formed and the region where the drain electrode is to be formed. At this time, it is preferable that an end portion of the opening portion 51 a on the side on which the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is spaced apart by 0.2 μm or more from the region where the gate electrode is to be formed. Then, a tensile stress film 5 is formed over the protective film 4 inside the opening portion 51 a. In the formation of the tensile stress film 5, for example, a magnesium oxide (MgO) film having a thickness of 50 nm to 200 nm is formed by a sputtering method, and the magnesium oxide is heated to generate a tensile stress therein. In the heating, for example, the temperature is held at 750° C. to 900° C. for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The tensile stress film 5 is also formed over the resist pattern 51.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIGS. 21E and 22A, the resist pattern 51 is removed together with the tensile stress film 5 thereover.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 21F, a resist pattern 52 having an opening portion 52 s in the region where the source electrode is to be formed and an opening portion 52 d in the region where the drain electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4 and the tensile stress film 5. Next, dry etching of the protective film 4 is performed by using the resist pattern 52 as a mask, to define, in the protective film 4, an opening portion 6 s following the opening portion 52 s and an opening portion 6 d following the opening portion 52 d. For the dry etching of the protective film 4, for example, SF₆ is used as the etching gas.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 21G, the resist pattern 52 is removed by using, for example, a heated organic solvent. Subsequently, a resist pattern 53 having an opening portion 53 s in the region where the source electrode is to be formed and an opening portion 53 d in the region where the drain electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4 and the tensile stress film 5. Then, by performing dry etching of the semiconductor laminate structure 2 by using the resist pattern 53 as a mask, a recess 7 s following the opening portion 53 s and a recesses 7 d following the opening portion 53 d are defined in the semiconductor laminate structure 2. In the dry etching of the semiconductor laminate structure 2, for example, an inert gas and a chlorine-based gas such as Cl₂ gas are used as etching gases. In the dry etching of the semiconductor laminate structure 2, for example, the cap layer 2 f is etched. In the depth direction of the recesses 7 s and 7 d, part of the cap layer 2 f may be kept, and part of the electron supply layer 2 e may be removed. That is, the depths of the recesses 7 s and 7 d do not have to match the thickness of the cap layer 2 f. For example, the depths of the recesses 7 s and 7 d are set to be within double the total thickness of the cap layer 2 f and the electron supply layer 2 e.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 21H, the resist pattern 53 is removed by using a heated organic solvent. Subsequently, a resist pattern 54 having an opening portion 54 s in the region where the source electrode is to be formed and an opening portion 54 d in the region where the drain electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4 and the tensile stress film 5. Then, a metal film 11 is formed inside the recess 7 s and the opening portion 6 s and inside the recess 7 d and the opening portion 6 d. In the formation of the metal film 11, for example, a Ti layer is formed by a high vacuum deposition method, and an Al layer is formed over the Ti layer by a high vacuum deposition method. For example, the Ti layer has a thickness of 10 nm to 30 nm, and the Al layer has a thickness of 100 nm to 300 nm. The metal film 11 is also formed over the resist pattern 54.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 21I, the resist pattern 54 is removed together with the metal film 11 thereover. As a result, a source electrode 11 s is formed inside the recess 7 s and the opening portion 6 s, and a drain electrode 11 d is formed inside the recess 7 d and the opening portion 6 d. As described above, in the formation of the source electrode 11 s and the drain electrode 11 d, for example, techniques of vapor deposition and lift-off may be used. Thereafter, heat treatment (alloying treatment) at 550° C. to 650° C. is performed to bring the source electrode 11 s and the drain electrode 11 d into ohmic contact with the surface of the semiconductor laminate structure 2.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 22B, slits 10 are defined in the tensile stress film 5. In the definition of the slits 10, for example, a resist pattern having opening portions in the regions where the slits 10 are to be defined is formed over the protective film 4, the tensile stress film 5, the source electrode 11 s, and the drain electrode 11 d. Then, by performing dry etching of the tensile stress film 5 by using this resist pattern as a mask, slits 10 are defined in the tensile stress film 5. For the dry etching of the tensile stress film 5, for example, an etching gas such as SF₆ is used.

A portion that covers the regions where the slits 10 are to be defined may be provided in the resist pattern 51, and the slits 10 may be defined when forming the tensile stress film 5.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 21J, a resist pattern 55 having an opening portion 55 g in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4, the tensile stress film 5, the source electrode 11 s, and the drain electrode 11 d. As a material of the resist pattern 55, for example, ZEP520 manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used. This resist material may be applied by a spin coating method. The resist pattern 55 has a thickness of, for example, 200 nm to 400 nm. The opening portion 55 g may be defined by exposure and development by electron-beam lithography. In the exposure in the formation of the opening portion 55 g, electron-beam lithography is performed in a length of, for example, 300 nm to 500 nm in the X direction.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 21K, dry etching of the protective film 4 is performed by using the resist pattern 55 as a mask, to define, in the protective film 4, an opening portion 6 g following the opening portion 55 g. For the dry etching of the protective film 4, for example, SF₆ is used as the etching gas. Thereafter, the resist pattern 55 is removed by using a heated organic solvent.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 21L, a resist pattern 56 having an opening portion 56 g in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4, the tensile stress film 5, the source electrode 11 s, and the drain electrode 11 d. At the same time, a resist pattern 57 having an opening portion 57 g is formed over the resist pattern 56 in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed. In the formation of the resist patterns 56 and 57, two resist layers are formed first, and then the resist pattern 57 is formed by defining the opening portion 57 g in the upper resist layer. Then, the opening portion 56 g is defined in the lower resist layer by using the resist pattern 57 as a mask, and thus the resist pattern 56 having a set-back structure having a dimension in the X direction of 0.3 μm to 0.7 μm is formed. As a material of the resist pattern 56, for example, poly(methyl glutarimide) (PMGI) (for example, manufactured by MicroChem Corporation) may be used, and as a material of the resist pattern 57, for example, ZEP520 manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used. These resist materials may be applied by a spin coating method, and pre-baking is performed after the application. In the exposure at the time of defining the opening portion 57 g, for example, electron-beam lithography is performed in a length of 1.0 μm to 1.5 μm in the X direction, and ZEP-SD manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used as a developer liquid. For defining the opening portion 56 g, for example, NMD-W manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. may be used as a developer liquid. In this manner, a resist pattern of eaves structure (set-back structure) is obtained.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 21M, a metal film 12 in contact with the semiconductor laminate structure 2 through the opening portion 6 g is formed over the protective film 4 inside the opening portions 56 g and 57 g. In the formation of the metal film 12, for example, an Ni layer is formed by a high vacuum deposition method, and an Au layer is formed over the Ni layer by a high vacuum deposition method. For example, the Ni layer has a thickness of 10 nm to 30 nm, and the Au layer has a thickness of 200 nm to 400 nm. The metal film 12 is also formed over the resist pattern 57.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 21N, the resist patterns 57 and 56 are removed together with the metal film 12 thereover. As a result, the gate electrode 12 g in contact with the semiconductor laminate structure 2 through the opening portion 6 g is formed over the protective film 4. As described above, in the formation of the gate electrode 12 g, for example, techniques of vapor deposition and lift-off may be used.

Then, a protective film and wiring are formed if necessary, and thus the compound semiconductor device is completed.

The formation of the protective film 4 may be omitted. The slits 10 may be defined so as to extend to the gate electrode 12 g in the X direction. A compressive stress film may be formed in the slits 10. The tensile stress film 5 may be also formed between the source electrode 11 s and the gate electrode 12 g. A compressive stress film may be formed instead of the tensile stress film 5. In this case, tensile stress may be generated in the slits of the compressive stress film. The definition of the opening portion 6 g may be omitted, and the gate electrode 112 g may be formed so as to be in contact with the protective film 4.

Modification Example of Seventh Embodiment

A modification example of the seventh embodiment is different from the seventh embodiment in terms of a method of forming the gate electrode 12 g. FIGS. 23A to 23C are each a section view illustrating the modification example of the manufacturing method for the compound semiconductor device according to the seventh embodiment.

In this modification example, first, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, the processes up to the definition of the opening portion 6 g are performed in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment. Then, a resist pattern 66 having an opening portion 66 g in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is formed over the protective film 4, the tensile stress film 5, the source electrode 11 s, and the drain electrode 11 d. At the same time, a resist pattern 67 having an opening portion 67 g in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is formed over the resist pattern 66, and a resist pattern 68 having an opening portion 68 g in the region where the gate electrode is to be formed is formed over the resist pattern 67. In the formation of the resist patterns 66 to 68, three resist layers are formed first, and then the resist pattern 68 is formed by defining the opening portion 68 g in the upper resist layer. Then, the opening portion 67 g is defined in the middle resist layer by using the resist pattern 68 as a mask, and thus the resist pattern 67 having a set-back structure having a dimension in the X direction of 0.3 μm to 0.7 μm is formed. Thereafter, the resist pattern 66 is formed by defining the opening portion 66 g in the lower resist layer. As a material of the resist pattern 66, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (for example, manufactured by Microchem Corporation) may be used. As a material of the resist pattern 67, for example, polymethyl glutarimide (PMGI) (for example, manufactured by Microchem Corporation) may be used. As a material of the resist pattern 68, for example, ZEP520 manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used. These resist materials may be applied by a spin coating method, and pre-baking is performed after the application. In the exposure at the time of defining the opening portion 68 g, for example, electron-beam lithography is performed in a length of 1.0 μm to 1.5 μm in the X direction, and ZEP-SD manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used as a developer liquid. For defining the opening portion 67 g, for example, NMD-W manufactured by Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd. may be used as a developer liquid. In the exposure at the time of defining the opening portion 66 g, for example, electron-beam lithography is performed in a length of 0.3 μm to 0.5 μm in the X direction, and ZMD-B manufactured by Zeon Corporation may be used as a developer liquid.

Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 23B, the metal film 12 in contact with the semiconductor laminate structure 2 through the opening portions 66 g and 6 g is formed over the resist pattern 66 inside the opening portions 67 g and 68 g. The metal film 12 is also formed over the resist pattern 68.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 23C, the resist patterns 68, 67, and 66 are removed together with the metal film 12 thereover. As a result, the gate electrode 12 g in contact with the semiconductor laminate structure 2 through the opening portion 6 g is formed. As described above, in the formation of the gate electrode 12 g, for example, techniques of vapor deposition and lift-off may be used. According to this modification example, the gate electrode 12 g having a T-shaped cross-section is formed.

Then, a protective film and wiring are formed if necessary, and thus the compound semiconductor device is completed.

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate three-terminal characteristics of the compound semiconductor device manufactured according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 24A illustrates the relationship between the drain voltage and the drain current when the gate voltage Vg is set to −2 V, −1 V, 0 V, +1 V, and +2 V in the case where the drain voltage is 0 V to 20 V. FIG. 24B illustrates the relationship between the drain voltage and the drain current when the gate voltage Vg is set to −5 V in the case where the drain voltage is 0 V to 200 V. FIGS. 24A and 24B also illustrate the three-terminal characteristics of a reference example in which the formation of the tensile stress film 5 is omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B, according to the compound semiconductor device manufactured according to the seventh embodiment, the on-resistance may be reduced, the drain current may be increased, and the drain breakdown voltage may be improved. This indicates that high output and high efficiency of an amplifier to which the compound semiconductor device is applied may be realized.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment relates to a discrete package of an HEMT. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the discrete package according to the eighth embodiment.

In the eighth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the back side of a compound semiconductor device 1210 having a structure similar to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is fixed to a land (die pad) 1233 by using a die attaching agent 1234 such as solder. A first end of a wire 1235 d such as an Al wire is coupled to a drain pad 1226 d to which the drain electrode 11 d is coupled, and a second end of the wire 1235 d is coupled to a drain lead 1232 d integrated with the land 1233. A first end of a wire 1235 s such as an Al wire is coupled to a source pad 1226 s to which the source electrode 11 s coupled, and a second end of the wire 1235 s is coupled to a source lead 1232 s independent from the land 1233. A first end of a wire 1235 g such as an Al wire is coupled to a gate pad 1226 g to which the gate electrode 12 g is coupled, and a second end of the wire 1235 g is coupled to a gate lead 1232 g independent from the land 1233. Further, the land 1233, the compound semiconductor device 1210, and so forth are packaged by a mold resin 1231 such that part of the gate lead 1232 g, part of the drain lead 1232 d, and part of the source lead 1232 s project.

For example, such a discrete package may be manufactured as follows. First, the compound semiconductor device 1210 is fixed to the land 1233 of a lead frame by using the die attaching agent 1234 such as solder. Next, via bonding using the wires 1235 g, 1235 d, and 1235 s, the gate pad 1226 g is coupled to the gate lead 1232 g of the lead frame, the drain pad 1226 d is coupled to the drain lead 1232 d of the lead frame, and the source pad 1226 s is coupled to the source lead 1232 s of the lead frame. Then, sealing is performed by a transfer mold method using the mold resin 1231. Subsequently, the lead frame is cut off.

Ninth Embodiment

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment relates to a power factor correction (PFC) circuit including an HEMT. FIG. 26 is a wiring diagram illustrating the PFC circuit according to the ninth embodiment.

A PFC circuit 1250 includes a switch element (transistor) 1251, a diode 1252, a choke coil 1253, capacitors 1254 and 1255, a diode bridge 1256, and an alternate current power source (AC) 1257. A drain electrode of the switch element 1251 is coupled to an anode terminal of the diode 1252 and a first terminal of the choke coil 1253. A source electrode of the switch element 1251 is coupled to a first terminal of the capacitor 1254 and a first terminal of the capacitor 1255. A second terminal of the capacitor 1254 is coupled to a second terminal of the choke coil 1253. A second terminal of the capacitor 1255 is coupled to a cathode terminal of the diode 1252. A gate driver is coupled to a gate electrode of the switch element 1251. The AC 1257 is coupled to the first and second terminals of the capacitor 1254 with the diode bridge 1256 therebetween. A direct current power source (DC) is coupled to the first and second terminals of the capacitor 1255. In the present embodiment, a compound semiconductor device having a similar structure to any one of the first to sixth embodiments is used as the switch element 1251.

When manufacturing the PFC circuit 1250, for example, the switch element 1251 is coupled to the diode 1252, the choke coil 1253, and so forth by using solder.

Tenth Embodiment

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. The tenth embodiment relates to a power source apparatus including an HEMT that is suitable for a server power source. FIG. 27 is a wiring diagram illustrating the power source apparatus according to the tenth embodiment.

The power source apparatus includes a primary circuit 1261 of high voltage, a secondary circuit 1262 of low voltage, and a transformer 1263 provided between the primary circuit 1261 and the secondary circuit 1262.

The primary circuit 1261 includes the PFC circuit 1250 according to the ninth embodiment, and an inverter circuit coupled to the first and second terminals of the capacitor 1255 of the PFC circuit 1250, for example, a full-bridge inverter circuit 1260. The full-bridge inverter circuit 1260 includes a plurality of (in this case, four) switch elements 1264 a, 1264 b, 1264 c, and 1264 d.

The secondary circuit 1262 includes a plurality of (in this case, three) switch elements 1265 a, 1265 b, and 1265 c.

In the present embodiment, compound semiconductor devices having a similar structure to any one of the first to sixth embodiments are used for the switch element 1251 of the PFC circuit 1250 constituting the primary circuit 1261 and the switch elements 1264 a, 1264 b, 1264 c, and 1264 d of the full-bridge inverter circuit 1260. In contrast, normal metal-insulator-semiconductor-type field effect transistors (MIS-FETs) formed from silicon are used for the switch elements 1265 a, 1265 b, and 1265 c of the secondary circuit 1262.

Eleventh Embodiment

Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. The eleventh embodiment relates to an amplifier including an HEMT. FIG. 28 is a wiring diagram illustrating the amplifier according to the eleventh embodiment.

The amplifier includes a digital predistortion circuit 1271, mixers 1272 a and 1272 b, and a power amplifier 1273.

The digital predistortion circuit 1271 compensates nonlinear distortion of an input signal. The mixer 1272 a mixes the input signal whose nonlinear distortion has been compensated with an alternate current signal. The power amplifier 1273 includes a compound semiconductor device having a similar structure to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, and amplifies the input signal mixed with the alternate current signal. In the present embodiment, for example, by switching a switch, an output signal may be mixed with an alternate current signal in the mixer 1272 b and transmitted to the digital predistortion circuit 1271. This amplifier may be used as a high-frequency amplifier or a high-output amplifier. The high-frequency amplifier may be used for, for example, a communication apparatus used in a mobile phone base station, a radar apparatus, and a microwave generation apparatus.

All examples and conditional language provided herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor laminate structure including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer that are formed from compound semiconductor; a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode that are provided above the semiconductor laminate structure and arranged in a first direction; and a first insulating film having a first internal stress and formed over the semiconductor laminate structure and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, wherein a slit extending in the first direction is defined in the first insulating film.
 2. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising a second insulating film formed in the slit and having a second internal stress in a direction opposite to the first internal stress.
 3. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the first internal stress is a tensile stress.
 4. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the electron supply layer contains metal nitride, and 32% or more of metal atoms in the metal nitride are Al.
 5. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 4, wherein 50% or more of the metal atoms in the metal nitride are Al.
 6. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 4, wherein a thickness of the electron supply layer is 10 nm or less.
 7. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the slit is spaced apart from the gate electrode in the first direction.
 8. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 7, wherein the slit is spaced apart from the gate electrode by 0.2 μm or more in the first direction.
 9. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising a protective film formed between the semiconductor laminate structure and the first insulating film.
 10. The compound semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein the protective film is also formed below the slit.
 11. A manufacturing method for a compound semiconductor device, the manufacturing method comprising: forming a semiconductor laminate structure including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer that are from compound semiconductor; forming a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode arranged in a first direction above the semiconductor laminate structure; and forming, above the semiconductor laminate structure and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, a first insulating film which has a first internal stress and in which a slit extending in the first direction is defined.
 12. An amplifier comprising: a compensating circuit that compensates distortion of an input signal; and a compound semiconductor device including a semiconductor laminate structure including an electron transit layer and an electron supply layer that are formed from compound semiconductor, a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode that are provided above the semiconductor laminate structure and arranged in a first direction, and a first insulating film having a first internal stress and formed above the semiconductor laminate structure and between the gate electrode and the drain electrode, wherein a slit extending in the first direction is defined in the first insulating film. 